Excess claims fees explained

April this year sees an increase in European Patent Office (EPO) charges, with applicants likely to be hit hardest by the new excess claims fees.

The EPO currently charges €45 for every claim after the 10th claim, but from 1 April 2008 the fee becomes €200 for every claim after the 15th.

A second round of changes, to come into force from 1 April 2009, will see excess claims fees increase again, so that for every claim after the 51st the cost becomes a weighty €500 per claim.

For further information on excess claims fees or to file before the 1 April deadline email us.

For full details on all EPO fee changes visit the EPO website.